Ramon's Legacy

He embodies some of Israel's highest aspirations, most painful memories, and the dream of Jewish unity.

The image is seared in our national consciousness: deadly white streaks across the blue Texas sky. Not since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin has one death so shaken the State of Israel. For Ilan Ramon was more than Israel's first man in space. He was a composite of the Jewish nation – child of Holocaust survivor, decorated IDF air force pilot, galvanizer of American-Israel ties, and self-declared representative of all Jewry.

For 16 days, Ilan Ramon defied gravity by lifting his country from the morass of incessant terror, a battered economy, and vilification in world political and media circles.

And for 16 days, Ilan Ramon not only represented our nation, he made every individual Jew feel connected and proud.

That is what makes his death all the more gut-wrenching.

Zionist Credentials

It has been said that three main themes define contemporary Jewish life: Torah, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Nearly every Jew will cite one of these as the primary source of his Jewish identity.

Ramon had impeccable Zionist credentials. As a combat pilot in the Israeli Air Force, he arguably held the country's most prestigious job. He was a member of Israel's first F-16 squadron, fought in two wars, and survived a collision where he ejected from his jet.

“I'm not afraid,” Ramon stated flatly when I asked him about his upcoming shuttle mission. It was more dangerous to drive on a highway than to fly in the shuttle, he bemused.

Although he was not afraid, he knew the risks involved – just as he knew the risks in 1981, when he and seven other pilots flew a daring raid to bomb the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak. They flew over enemy Arab territory for hours, avoiding detection with their tight formation that emitted a radar signal resembling a commercial airliner. Ilan volunteered to fly at the vulnerable rear position, since he was the only one not married.

Ramon underscored the Jewish principle of doing the right thing, even when it means going against the grain.

Yet as Israel celebrated the successful raid, condemnation was near-universal. A prominent U.S. senator called it "one of the most provocative, ill-timed and internationally illegal actions taken in that nation's history."

In this light, Ramon and his colleagues underscored the deep Jewish principle of doing the right thing, even when it means going against the grain. It's a trait bequeathed by the first Jew, Abraham, whose moniker "Abraham Ha-Ivri" (the Hebrew) literally translates as "the one who stands on the other side." As the entire idol-worshipping world stood on one side, Abraham and his monotheism stood firmly on the other.

In the spirit of Abraham, those who bombed the Iraqi reactor were vindicated with time. Two decades later, as Washington prepared to oust Saddam Hussein, the international community is ever grateful for Israel's strike at Osirak. At a memorial serviced in Houston, President Bush told Ramon's family: "Ilan bombed the Iraqi reactor, and I will finish the job."

The Holocaust

It was widely publicized that Ramon's space luggage included a mezuzah adorned with barbed wire symbolizing the concentration camps, as well as a copy of the drawing "Moon Landscape," created by a 14-year-old boy killed in the Nazi inferno.

Yet for Ramon, the Holocaust was more than mere symbol. His mother survived Auschwitz, and his grandfather was murdered there. As such, Ramon saw his shuttle flight as testament to the invincibility of the Jewish people.

"The look in their eyes is very powerful," Ilan told me of his meeting with concentration camp survivors. "They see their hopes that had died in the Holocaust as living on through me. They see that despite the horrors we have endured, we are going forward."

"I am ready to sacrifice my life to prevent a second Holocaust," Ramon said in 1981.

It is difficult for outsiders to understand how deeply the Holocaust is embedded in Jewish consciousness. With the promise of "never again," the State of Israel arose from the ashes of Hitler's ovens, and the Holocaust plays a central role in the Israeli obsession with survival.

In June 1967, as Arab armies amassed on Israel's borders, Martin Luther King Jr. was asked on national television if Israel has justification for launching a pre-emptive strike.

"Yes," said King. "They have 6 million good reasons."

Incredibly, Ramon viewed his 1981 Iraqi mission in this context. "If I can prevent a second Holocaust," he was quoted as saying then, "I'm ready to sacrifice my life for this."

Jewish Foundation

Between his air force heroics, his Holocaust ancestry, and his seat on the space shuttle, there was surely enough for the Israeli media to confer hero status on Ramon.

But for Ilan, there was much more he hoped to achieve. He knew there is something even more central to our identity, and that Jewish destiny cannot survive without Judaism.

That is why, when Ramon spoke with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during a televised news conference from outer space, he pulled out a Torah scroll. Yes, this special wallet-sized scroll symbolizes the Holocaust, having survived Bergen-Belsen. Yes, this scroll – whose owner is a physicist at Tel Aviv University and oversaw one of Ilan's space shuttle experiments – symbolizes Israeli achievement in technology.

Ramon held aloft a Torah scroll and declared the importance of preserving our religious traditions.

Yet most importantly, as millions of Israelis sat glued to their TV screens, Ramon held aloft this Torah scroll and declared that "it is very, very important to preserve our historical tradition, and I mean our historical and religious traditions."

Ramon was reaffirming the centrality of a Torah that neither Hitler's Hell, nor a long list of oppressors before him, could extinguish.

For Israel, a country that could not agree to include God's Name in the Declaration of Independence, this was an enormous step forward.

Ramon added other important Jewish elements to his flight. He sanctified the Shabbat with the first intergalactic Kiddush. He ate kosher food. And as he passed over Jerusalem, he recited the age-old declaration of Jewish faith: "Shema Yisrael – Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One."

By placing Torah tradition in such a highly visible role, Ramon broke from the norm of Israeli public figures who tend to view Jewish observance as the realm of the "religious." This makes Ramon's actions all the more praiseworthy, and his reward all the more great.

After the tragedy, I saw an editorial cartoon that depicted a father and son, gazing at the night sky. Seven stars dotted the heavens – six regular stars, and one Star of David. As the father placed his arm around the boy's shoulder, he pointed to the Star of David and explained: "That one is Ilan Ramon."

For 16 days, Ilan Ramon occupied the world stage, and everyone knew that the Star of David on his shirtsleeve meant he was a Jew.

The entire world looked at him and wondered: What is a Jew?

What they saw is someone who ate kosher food, carried a Torah scroll, and was not afraid to give the ultimate sacrifice for his people.

That is a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of God's Name, the single highest level that a Jew can achieve.

Blessing Ilan

Many people dream of unity for our fractured nation. Of those who dream, some try to do something about it. Of those who do something, only a select few actually succeed.

For 16 days, there was no right-left, religious-secular, or Israeli-Diaspora rifts among our people.

For 16 days, we felt what it means to be a unified nation. This rare glimpse relieved so much of the pain that accompanies its lacking.

To have that image so suddenly and brutally smashed was a visceral shock to our collective system.

If one word could describe Ilan's death, it is the Hebrew word challal, which has three separate meanings: Outer space. A human corpse. And a vast, crushing emptiness.

But as Ilan taught us, Jewish destiny means to pick up the pieces, gather our inspiration, and move on.

Ramon gave us so much, and now it is time for us to give back – to continue his legacy, that his death not be in vain.

The Talmud tells the story of a man who came upon a tree – in Hebrew, ilan – and enjoyed its sweet fruits and pleasant shade. Before departing, he wanted to bless the tree. But its fruits were already sweet and its shade was already pleasant. So what more could he wish for that ilan?

The man said: "May it be God's will that all which derives from you, will be like you."

Ilan Ramon gave each of us so much, and now it is time for us to give back – to continue his legacy, that his death not be in vain.

Perhaps we can try to feel more connected, to care about those who are different from us, knowing that every Jew is holy, and has the potential to create a Kiddush Hashem.

And we can, like Ilan, put Jewish tradition at the forefront of Israeli public life – not out of coercion, but through a recognition that Torah is the foundation from which all else flows.

And we can, like Ilan, pursue the dream that – despite the tension and enmity – underneath it all we are united as one family.

"We have to find a way to bring our people closer together, to show more patience and understanding," Ramon told me with urgency in his voice.

In 16 days, Ilan Ramon reached the heights of this world. In one shattering moment, he acquired his place in the next world.

About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons is the co-founder of Aish.com, and co-author of "48 Ways to Wisdom" (ArtScroll). He is co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive account of anti-Israel media bias. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 46

(46)
Esther,
February 21, 2003 12:00 AM

very touching and telling, a beautiful way to Rember A lost hero!

thank you!

(45)
Mawloud Ould Daddah,
February 14, 2003 12:00 AM

ILAN WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ILAN WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

(44)
Margarita,
February 14, 2003 12:00 AM

you are my hero

Only now I can bring myself to write without tears about Ilan and his achievents. I am proud to be Jewish and Ilan was and is my hero. Keep his memories alive ! Write about him , so we can know more . Thank you for doing it.

(43)
Lito,
February 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Hasidic Tale

"The worst exile is exile from peace of mind."

HaShem bless you, Ramon.

(42)
Avi,
February 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Ilan

I am very impressed with Ilan's attitude. I want his entire mishpacha to know how special he is in my heart. I am now in my last year in art school and one realizes the dangers for a religious jew in such surroundings. Since I arrived here my yarmulka got smaller, my clothing changed, my attitude towards tradition started plunging. You understand, there is no need to say more.

However, when Ilan passed away and word surfaced about who he was and what he stood for, I was amazed. I was also sad about my level of yiddishkeit and where I was headed. That is when I noticed one day as I looked in the mirror that I have a yarmulka on my head, and that I'm different - and that I must be proud of who I am and what I stand for.

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth ... and touched the face of G-d"

They say that with a tragic event, you will remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news. I was at a placement exam and interview for an Air Cadet course to get my Pilot's License. I was on the ground, trying to slip the surly bonds of Earth - while 7 people who share flight touched the face of G-d.
A few years ago there was a joke in my Chumash class about how to observe Shabbat in space. The Rabbi wrapped it up by saying that we didn't have that problem yet. At that point, this mission was still in the making, and unknown to the general public, so it was exciting when we heard the mission’s announcement. Col Ramon fascinated me, and obviously (and rightly) millions of others, right from the start. I am a Glider Pilot, and I am familiar with the military. I am so proud to be a Jewish Canadian Air Cadet pilot, and now especially I intend to fly as high as the skies will take me.
It has been willed – this is no longer a dream. The Shamai’im awaits.

(40)
Stuart J. Boyar,
February 13, 2003 12:00 AM

Rabbi's tribute to Illan Ramon.

Rabbi that was beautifully written. G-d willing we will all see the day when Israel no longer suffers the way she has for so long. Ramon is a hero to all Jews throughout the world, inculding here in your hometown of Buffalo, New York. Keep up the good work !!
Stuart J. Boyar
Williamsville, New York

(39)
eliezer schwadron,
February 13, 2003 12:00 AM

The horrible explosion was so depressing at first. Illan was so daring such a vital figure doing so much to unite the Jewish people.It seems like a tragic end to a lfe filled with so many important accomplisments. I'm glad G-d's in charge,otherwise I have no way of understanding it. I am impressed by Illan. I miss him.

(38)
Shira,
February 13, 2003 12:00 AM

A true Jew

Ilan Ramon [zichrono l'vracha] was truely an angel on earth. He displayed to the world what a true Jew is. My heart aches each and every day for him and his dear family. There is nothing more beautiful than for a Jew to spend his last days alive perfoming a KIDDUSH HASHEM (sanctifying the name of G-d). May we all merit that. Thank you Ilan Ramon.

(37)
Nathan,
February 12, 2003 12:00 AM

Honor Ramon-plant a tree

Urge to all my fellow jews... honor the memory of our true hero Ilan Ramon by forfilling his last wish...that every jew this year should plant a tree in Israel.

(36)
hERB bRODSKY,
February 12, 2003 12:00 AM

excellent & thoughtful

(35)
Judith Zucker,
February 11, 2003 12:00 AM

Excellent article,Rabbi, you spoke for us all

Ilan belongs to all of Am Yisrael,he made us so proud and now,so sad.

(34)
Anonymous,
February 11, 2003 12:00 AM

OUR BELIEF SHALL GO ON...

I am not sure who posted the message below mine, but I must say the following. For 2,000 years our people have been asking that very same question that many of us asked when Ilan Ramon died- How could this have happened? How could our enemies be using this event to strangthen their belief, and we use it as yet another example to add to a seemingly endless mountain of grief. For two thousand years, people have died while crying and screaming "Shema Yisrael." For two thousand years communities have marched to their death while singing, "How lucky we are, and how wonderful is our portion to be able to serve G-D." Although, I, like you have no concrete answers, I can say this: those Jews- Jews like Ilan Ramon- did not want their deaths to be reasons for us not to believe in G-D anymore... In their deaths, those people died leaving the message , "Continue to love G-D." It is certainly not a coincedence that Ilan Ramon was killed- It is certainly no coincidence that Judy Resnick was also killed in a similar way. In Judaism, when catastrophic things happen we are supposed to see those events as a mean of G-D talking to us. G-D is communicating to us something of utmost importance and I guarantee that the only reason HE would need to communicate a message to us in such horrible ways would be if there was no other way for us to understand. Words cannot describe the pain, the grief that international Jewry feels over Ilan Ramon's death. We should do something with that grief- We should channel it properly and not tak the easy way out of saying,"I dont believe in G-D." Instead,we should face the challenge, look into the innards of our souls and ask ourselves how we can become better Jews. Lastly, I once heard someone tell me that when a person sees someone with a knife stabbing someone else, they are horrified. They are enraged and feel as though they just witnessed a murder. When that person takes a step back though, they see the stabber is a doctor with gloves on performing an operation on a sick little girl. Although he is cutting her open, he is doing so lovingly to try and make her well. G-D, too, in his infinite wisdom, is in some way lovingly fixing us through so many of these calamities. After the surgery the little girl has to go through a major major recovery process and months of physical therapy and it too will take us a very long time to even minimally be consoled about the tragedies that befall out people. As a fellow Jew, I beg of you not to lose faith, and I beg that you continue this chain of glory that has been passed down to us from Mount Sinai. I have never met you but I beg of you - please continue to believe... We need you...

(33)
Linda D.Thomas,
February 11, 2003 12:00 AM

beautifully written

This article was beautifully written about Ilan.It was written so that we can all enjoy it and feel a little more connected to Ilan and the beloved people of Israel.It reminds me of a opera-so beautiful,so passionate and so dreadfully sad.It also gives a little more insight into the dear people of Isreal and what it means to be a Jew.Thank you Rabbi Simmons.Shalom to Aish.com and Israel.

(32)
Daphne White,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

This was an excellent article. Thank you for writing and sharing it.

(31)
Murray,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

More than brave Ilan died that fateful day.

For many Jews who reached the stars through Ilan, whose pride in Israel and awe of Judaism were epitomized by that brave soul, more than Ilan died that day. What died that day was the belief in a just God. Rabbi Simmons has it correct when he says that, "To have that image so suddenly and brutally smashed was a visceral shock to our collective system." It was also, I assert, a shock to the spiritual foundation of many observers who soared with Ilan for 16 days only to have their faith burst into fiery shards along with the spacecraft as it descended to Earth.

Why did the Jews, through Ilan, get slapped in the face by God? Why did His hands not guide that little ship on that day? Why were the Jews dealt another blow in front of the entire world when all of our eyes were watching with awe and admiration? Why were those who hate us and revile our heritage and beliefs given the fodder to bolster their own warped and tortuous dogma?

We once again are faced with the question, what have we been chosen for?

(30)
shoshana,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

thank you

May Colonel Ilan's dfamily and descendants be blessed forever, for the message of hope, of piece, of strength and of faith that he sent, worldwide.

(29)
Sandy Dickerson,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Heart Moving

Your article on Ilan Ramon's Legacy: Heart Moving is the only way I can describe it, for there are no other words.Shalom

(28)
EMMA,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

ILAN RAMON-DIE FOR OUR PEOPLE AND ISRAEL

I CRY.
HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING.
HERO IS NO WORD FOR THAT MAN.
HE IS A REAL HUMAN AND REAL JEW!
I WISH MORE JEWS WOULD BE LIKE THAT.
HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS BELIEVES.
I AM PROUD OF HIM

(27)
Hayah,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Ilan Ramon

Hello!
I was very touch by your comments on Ilan Ramon. Thank you
Hayah

(26)
Heather Atkinson,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Beautiful Article

This article is touching for several reasons not the least of which is that it symbolizes the struggle and challenge that the heavens present to all mankind.
I am glad you included the quote from Martin Luther King. Too often we forget that the value of Judaism and Torah to the rest of the world is that it is symbolical of the struggle that each of us (as individuals and racial groups within the global community) must face as we try to correct past mistakes and find our way back to G-d.
May the souls of all 7 astronauts be made whole and find peace.

(25)
Daniel,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Hero to us all

My heart goes out to Ilan's family. He was not only a hero to Israel, but to the world. I am deeply saddened by his tragic end.

(24)
joeyvita@hotmail.com,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

RE: MURRAY'S COMMENT

We were chosen by G-D many hundreds of years ago when the first man, Abraham- "the one who stands on the other side," chose to have FAITH in G-D. Our faith in G-D and in His word has been all but forgotten. As the article said, we couldn't even agree to include G-D's name in our Declaration of Independence! G-D is the one who gave us our homeland Israel to begin with!
Now is the time for repentance. G-D pleads(!) with us lovingly, and many times, commandingly, in the Prophetical books of the Torah. G-D is waiting for us to return to Him. We all “like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6) and he is waiting for us to acknowledge our sins, repent, and turn from them… back to Him. What we go through as a nation, what we have gone through are simply repercussions of our ancestors AND OUR OWN lack of faith.

This article speaks subtly about the importance of the Torah as part of our “cultural tradition” I believe it is so much more than that. It is G-D’s Word to His Chosen People. As Jews we take such pride in the common knowledge that we are, indeed, G-D’s chosen. It is well past the time to get back to the very Book which deems us as such, and follow on to know the Lord who does love us.

(23)
Mary Cohea,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for your moving tribute to Ilan Ramon

I was deeply moved by your account of how deeply Ilan Ramon affected his country and his faith. My heart felt hope is that he will continue to be a symbol of Jewish unity and the prominence of the Torah in Jewish life. Although I am an American, nothing has so deeply touched me as the sacrifice of this heroic life. Many of my fellow Americans feel as I do. Words cannot express my grief at his loss. I do believe that his death may accomplish more than we can imagine for the nation he loved so dearly - and so do many Americans!

(22)
Rex S. Rambo,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Bave man worthy of our praise

America loves her astronaughts, and we loved Ilan Ramon too. He was family to us too. With his death, we feel that our family has been deminished. Did you notice the camradery of all the brave people on this shuttle. Did anyone notice the great symbolism. We had nearly all races and a variety of religions represented. If we are going to survive on this small planet, we must have broad vision with respect for human dignity and just laws. Ilon Ramon had that broad vision. I feel that he is experiencing that radiant beauty that is far beyond our poor powers of comprehension of which Albert Einstiein spoke.

(21)
John Estell,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

A great tribute to a great man for all people not just the Jewish people.

His story is a very inspirational one and another in a long line of heroism for the Jews since Abraham. I don't really believe most of the world really understands the plight of the Jews. God has a plan and it will never change but will see HIS ending. Thank you for sharing his story with the world.

(20)
Aaron,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Applying meaning to the loss of Ilan Ramon

This article gives wonderful perspective on the tragedy and shows the significance of what Ramon did with his time in space. Perhaps if what he did there in space could apply to all of us here on earth...

(19)
Ben Draper,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

A quote by 'unknown'

"In all I do, I shoot for the moon. If I miss I can say I danced with the stars."

The article by Rabbi Simmonds is a fitting tribute to our brother Ramon. G-d bless his soul.

(18)
lisa ortiz,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

With this article I learned a little bit more about Ilan and his heroism actions. Very interesting.

(17)
Neshama Burdt,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Ilan Ramon a True Mensch

Our family was so proud to see our Jewish/Israeli Astronaut be launched into outer-space! My husband is also named Ilan, so we felt a kinship toward our Israeli brother even though we live here in the USA. And we were so shaken to the core when my daughter called on my cell phone that morning to tell me of the shuttle disaster. I know that I should have been thinking of all the astronauts on board but my first thoughts were that of Ilan Ramon, and his family, and all of Israel and all Jewry! Unthinkable how could G-d let this happen!!!
But even in his death, he brought us a reason to keep our faith, for he was brave and knew the dangers. Yet he chose to go on this mission and represent all Jews and Israel. We also should follow his example and be strong and forge into the future, or then his death would be in vain. Am Yisrael Chai!

(16)
Raphael Waknine,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Ilan Ramon: My hero!

Ilan Ramon was, is and always will be a hero to me. I am a webmaster at http://ca.geocities.com/rafiki7876 and when I heard that Israel would be launching it's first astranaut into space, I added a feature section to my website with articles, pictures, and daily updates. I sincerley hope that there will be many more Israeli astranauts.

(15)
sheryl w. silverman,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

What a beautiful tribute to "our" Isaeli astronaut...It allowed me to feel as if I really knew Ilan Ramon...thank you for this touching piece.

(14)
Debbie Frank,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

There is one answer

This article made me feel that there IS only one answer to the age-old question of why?...and Col. Ilan Ramon knew it in his heart - look to Hashem and He will give us all the answer. Col. Ramon did not just gather a bunch of stuff, he methodically took specific items with him. He created a unity and sense of pride not seen or felt in many, many months.
Rather than railing against the injustice, which is not our to judge, let's all take an example from Col. Ilan Ramon and vow to go forth better for it.

(13)
marco antonio barbosa fontes,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

very god job in small time in the space!

This article is very good. And give more informations about Ilan, and the news is very excellent........

(12)
Anonymous,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Very touching story

I am very touched by the story of Ilan Ramon.Israel need many of such Ramons to remind the Jews of their roots and destiny.My deepest condolence to the family of the late Ilan Ramon. Shalom. Singapore

(11)
Linda,
February 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you...

Thank you for the articles about llan Ramon. What an inspiration he was and is, to Israel and to Christians in the usa. I pray for his family and friends and for the peace of Jerusalem along with the other families. Again thank you for sharing with me, Linda, usa

(10)
Dina,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

What a beautiful hesped-eulogy for a man who accomplished so much in his life and his death. May his memory indeed be a blessing for all of Klal Israel. I hope that you will send a copy of this article to Ilan z"l's family. May they and all of Klal Israel know no more death and sorrow and may his children indeed grow up to follow in his path of kiddush haShem.

(9)
Shmuel Hager,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for your hesped [eulogy] of Ilan z'l. You captured much of what was felt by many of us. May we merit to take such Misirat Nefesh [self-sacrifice] to heart in our own lives.

(8)
Marsha Lynch,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Ilan Ramon -A Shining Example For The World

I was moved very deeply when I read the article about Ilan Ramon. I felt like I knew him better and understood my Jewish brothers and sisters even more. His memory will live on through the ages and when I look to the heavens his memory will come to mind because he will shine for all eternity. I pray that when President Bush finishes the job in Iraq that Ilan will smile down in victory.

(7)
Yechiel Lowenstein,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Link to moving speech of Rabbi at NASA Memorial in Florida

Many people havent seen the address at the NASA memorial in Florida on Friday from Ilan's Rabbi, Rabbi Zvi Konikov. Very touching speech which brings tears to your eyes. Here's the link: http://www.lubavitch.com/article.asp?ID=133

(6)
Dorothy Rennich,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Wonderful

Thank you so much for this piece of inspiration. It is needed world wide.

(5)
David Schwep,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

"Shema Yisrael - Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One." May these be the words that we are emboldened to declare as did llan Ramon as he was in the presence of others of different faiths and nationality. llan was not afraid to do the right thing. He is respected and honored for doing so by us presently and will be for all eternity. May the most holy Lord our God who created us all grant us the will and power to do the same. Thank you llan.

(4)
levi melohn,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

thank you

THANK YOU

(3)
Anonymous,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

An eternal hero

Shalom Rabbi Shraga Simmons,
This is perhaps the most beloved account of our hero, Ilan Ramon. Todah rabah for your commentary! While we mourn his loss we can rest in peace now knowing that in HaShem's special timing, we shall meet again. I know your commentary has helped to inflame the unity of Israel and those in the diaspora. Baruch HaShem! We needed it for such a time as this. Blessings.

(2)
Aderet,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Yasher koach and thank you so, so much for the moving hesped that put exactly what I feel into words. Ilan z"l was there one moment and gone the next; it seemed the unthinkable. I think a little bit of all of us died that day....May the impact he left on us draw us all closer together as a nation and inspire us all to acheive greater heights as he did & may all of Am Yisrael merit the coming of moshiach -b'mehaira b'yamainu-Amen!

(1)
Pat LoGiudice,
February 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Hearts united...

As an American, I was extemely shocked and saddened by the loss of "our" brave young explorers. As I read about Iian Ramone, my heart had a special ache for his family and nation. Such a magnificent young hero for a nation torn and tired in bloodshed. I wish for the family (and nation) a healing, a comfort known only to those who sacrifice their very best for mankind. Your hero, Israel, is not only loved and appreciated by Israelies, but by Americans too. Your wonderful "son" went on his exploration for us all. May you have peace in your pride...Much love to you...

I always loved the story of Jonah and the whale. Why do we read it during the afternoon service of Yom Kippur?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Let's recap the story: God tells Jonah to go to Ninveh and to prophesy that in 40 days, God will destroy the city. Instead, Jonah goes to Jaffa, boards a ship, and sails for Tarshish. A great storm arises. Frightened, Jonah goes to sleep in the ship's hold. The sailors somehow recognize that Jonah is responsible for the storm. They throw him overboard, and the sea becomes calm.

A great fish swallows Jonah. Then three days later, God commands the fish to spit Jonah back out upon dry land. God tells Jonah, "Let's try it again. Go to Ninveh and tell them in 40 days I will destroy the city."

The story is a metaphor for our struggle for clarity. Jonah is the soul. The soul is assigned to sanctify the world, and draw it close to God. But we are seduced by the world's beauty. (Jaffa in Hebrew means "beauty.") The ship is the body, the sea is the world, and the storm is life's pains and troubles. God hopes confrontation with mortality will inspire us to examine our lives. But Jonah's is the more common response - we go to sleep (have a beer, turn on the television). The sailors throw Jonah overboard - this is death. The fish that swallows Jonah is the grave. Jonah is spat back upon the land - reincarnation. And the Almighty tells us to try again. "Go sanctify the world and bring it close to God."

Each of us is born with an opportunity and a challenge. We each have unique gifts to offer the world and unique challenges to perfect ourselves. If we leave the task unfinished the first time, we get a second chance. Jonah teaches us that repentance can reverse a harsh decree. If the residents of Ninveh had the ability to correct their mistakes and do teshuva, how much more so do we have the ability to correct our former mistakes and do teshuva.

(source: "The Bible for the Clueless But Curious," by Rabbi Nachum Braverman)

In 1948, Egypt launched a large-scale offensive against the Negev region of Israel. This was part of the War of Independence, an attack by five Arab armies designed to "drive the Jews into the sea." Though the Jews were under-armed, untrained, and few in number, through ingenuity and perseverance they staved off the attacks and secured the borders. Yet the price was high -- Israel lost 6,373 of its people, a full one percent of the Jewish population of Israel at the time.

And what does teshuvah consist of? [Repentance to the degree] that the One Who knows all that is hidden will testify that he will never again repeat this sin(Maimonides, Laws of Teshuvah 2:2).

"How can this be?" ask the commentaries. "Inasmuch as man always has free choice to do good or evil, to sin or not to sin, how can God testify that a person will never repeat a particular sin? Is this not a repudiation of one's free will?"

The answer to this came to me at a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, at which the speaker, a man who had been sober for twenty-one years, said, "The man I was drank. The man I was will drink again. But now I am a different man."

A sin does not occur in a vacuum. A person who is devout does not abruptly decide to eat treifah. A sin occurs when a person is in such a state that a particular act is not anathema to him.

Consequently, repentance is not complete if one merely regrets having done wrong. One must ask, "How did this sin ever come about? In what kind of a state was I that permitted me to commit this sin?"

True repentance thus consists of changing one's character to the point where, as the person is now, one can no longer even consider doing the forbidden act. Of course, the person's character may deteriorate - and if it does, he may sin again.

God does not testify that the person will never repeat the sin, but rather that his degree of repentance and correction of his character defects are such that, as long as he maintains his new status, he will not commit that sin.

Today I shall...

try to understand how I came to do those things that I regret having done, and bring myself to a state where such acts will be alien to me.

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